Sweden’s New Appetite for American Fast Food

Linda Iliste, 09.01.2026

Five Guys' debut this winter underscored Sweden’s long-running fascination with American fast food. As KFC expands and Taco Bell tries again, the latest arrivals are less about pure convenience and more about brand, experience—and, to some extent, the politics of what “American” means right now.

Queues snaked onto the street when Five Guys opened its first Nordic location at Sergels Torg in central Stockholm this past winter. Curiosity was high, with guests traveling from far and wide to try the American fast-food chain for themselves. Founded in Virginia in the 1980s, it is known for generous burgers, hand-spun milkshakes and fries cut fresh on-site.

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Sweden’s New Appetite for American Fast Food